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Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an (A)BSL-4 Laboratory: 3. Aerobiology
Published on: October 3, 2016
Mpox Airborne Transmission: A Systematic Review
Lucas Ferreira Theotonio Dos Santos1, Leonardo Javier Arcuri1, Viviane Aparecida R Sant'Anna1
1Academic Research Organization, Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Reviews in Medical Virology
|August 11, 2026
Summary
This systematic review found limited evidence for airborne transmission of mpox virus (MPXV). While MPXV DNA was detected in air samples, viable virus transmission through aerosols or droplets was not confirmed.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Virology
Background:
- Mpox outbreaks have spread internationally since May 2022.
- Concerns exist regarding potential airborne transmission routes.
- Evidence on mpox airborne transmission risk is currently limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate the risk of airborne transmission of mpox.
- To assess the presence of viable mpox viruses in air samples.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.
- Inclusion of environmental studies, case reports, cross-sectional, and cohort studies.
- Data extraction on study characteristics, diagnostic methods, and findings related to respiratory particles.
Main Results:
- Four environmental studies (2022-2023) met inclusion criteria.
- MPXV DNA detected in air and surface samples (Ct values <30 to <45).
- No studies confirmed consistent viral viability in aerosols/droplets to support airborne transmission.
Conclusions:
- Current limited evidence does not support a clear risk of mpox airborne infection.
- Further well-designed human studies are necessary to clarify respiratory transmission potential.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for public health response to mpox outbreaks.
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